Whether loathed, feared, admired or worshipped, snakes evoke stronger human reactions than almost any other animal. Moving gracefully without limbs, swallowing meals often several times larger than their own heads, and with many having venomous bites, they never fail to fascinate. From garter snakes and vipers to cobras, boas and pythons, Snakes describes the biology and natural history of this ecologically diverse and important group of animals. It highlights the amazing variety and complexity of this group that includes more than four thousand living species. Information on habitat, conservation status, and behaviour are also included to complete this comprehensive and fully illustrated introduction to the snakes of the world.

The first, fantastic book in the series about four friends. A brilliant series about small changes that make a big difference, with themes of environmentalism and friendship. Researching her school project on Fairtrade has been a real eye-opener for Maya. She loves clothes and is appalled to find that her favourite sparkly T-shirts are made by poor children in other countries. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

In 1940 Sergei Rachmaninoff, living in exile in America, broke his creative silence and composed a swan song to his Russian homeland. What happened in those final haunted years and how did he come to write his farewell masterpiece, the Symphonic Dances? Rachmaninoff left Petrograd in 1917 in the throes of the Russian Revolution. He was 44 years old, at the peak of his powers as composer-conductor-performer, moving in elite Tsarist circles, as well as running the family estate, his refuge and solace. He had already written the music which, today, has made him one of the most popular composers of all time: the second and third Piano Concertos and two symphonies. The story of his years in exile in America and Switzerland, has only been told in passing. Reeling from the trauma of a life in upheaval, he wrote almost no music and quickly had to reinvent himself as a fêted virtuoso pianist, building up untold wealth and meeting the stars- from Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin to his Russian contemporaries and polar opposites, Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Yet the melancholy of leaving his homeland never lifted. Using a wide range of sources, including important newly translated texts, Maddocks' immensely readable book conjures impressions of this enigmatic figure, his friends and the world he encountered. It explores his life as an emigré artist and how he clung to an Old Russia which no longer existed. That forging of past and present meets in his Symphonic Dances (1940), his last composition, written on Long Island shortly before his death in Beverly Hills, surrounded by a close-knit circle of Russian exiles.

Originally published in 1973, the aim of this work was to discuss the various factors governing the rate of growth of the British economy since the First World War. It endeavours to explain – or at least to provide the groundwork for an explanation of – the movements of aggregate production and productivity in this period. In so doing it examines two particular, and partly antithetical questions: why Britain exceeded the predictions of economic theorists who, until at least the Second World War, had forecast a retardation of growth in all mature industrial economies; and why, especially since 1950, the economy has expanded less quickly than many professional economists, and almost all politicians, thought possible. The authors look, in turn, at the changing trends in effective economic demand, both domestic and foreign; the supply of labour and capital; and the role of management and the state in fostering growth. Their object is to produce a balanced mixture of the available historical and statistical evidence and the relevant economic theory. They introduce their readers, at the same time, to the more specialized works of both disciplines. The book is the product of a fruitful collaboration between an economist and a historian, both with considerable experience in teaching students, combining their two subjects. It marries, accordingly, the qualities of apt and informative use of evidence, wide-ranging theoretical discussion, and clarity of exposition.

Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings keeps you up-to-date on the trends and issues in sexuality education in colleges, universities, and professional training institutions. A diverse group of authors, all experienced sexuality educators, offers summary information, critical commentary, thoughtful analysis, and projections of future trends in sexuality education in postsecondary settings. This keeps you current on the status of sexuality education and will move you to consider a variety of concerns and challenges in designing and implementing sexuality education courses and programs. Finally, the chapters present you with valuable resources, ranging from historical references to contemporary website information.Beginning with an historical perspective on twentieth-century sexuality education, Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings includes information on the nature and extent of sexuality education in contemporary colleges and universities, as well as in institutions training teachers, clergy, and physicians. The book's expert authors analyze undergraduate curricular and pedagogical issues, as well as problems in classroom climate and the challenges of meeting objectives for behavioral change. Specific topics you learn about include: guidelines for teaching undergraduate sexuality courses--with a focus on philosophical issues; how to develop objectives and implement teaching strategies; print, media, and Internet resources for teaching; and commentary on controversial issues effects of various workshops on the contraceptive-related attitudes and behaviors of college students sexuality education and HIV/AIDS prevention education in teacher preparation institutions perceptions of faculty regarding curriculum and approaches to sexuality education in clergy training institutions sexuality education in medical school curricula in the U.S. and Canada Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings is a valuable guide for sexuality educators in postsecondary settings and educators in corollary areas such as health education, educational psychology, family education, or curriculum development. Also an informative and useful text for scholars, researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of sexuality education, behavioral sciences, applied social sciences, and social policy, this book presents a variety of philosophical and methodological approaches to vital issues, ranging from qualitative phenomenological and interpretive methods to quantitative analyses to critical essays.

Originally published in 1973, the aim of this work was to discuss the various factors governing the rate of growth of the British economy since the First World War. It endeavours to explain - or at least to provide the groundwork for an explanation of - the movements of aggregate production and productivity in this period. In so doing it examines two particular, and partly antithetical questions: why Britain exceeded the predictions of economic theorists who, until at least the Second World War, had forecast a retardation of growth in all mature industrial economies; and why, especially since 1950, the economy has expanded less quickly than many professional economists, and almost all politicians, thought possible. The authors look, in turn, at the changing trends in effective economic demand, both domestic and foreign; the supply of labour and capital; and the role of management and the state in fostering growth. Their object is to produce a balanced mixture of the available historical and statistical evidence and the relevant economic theory. They introduce their readers, at the same time, to the more specialized works of both disciplines. The book is the product of a fruitful collaboration between an economist and a historian, both with considerable experience in teaching students, combining their two subjects. It marries, accordingly, the qualities of apt and informative use of evidence, wide-ranging theoretical discussion, and clarity of exposition.

Bite–sized biographies of inspirational Christian women. Spanning two millennia and multiple continents, these stories will introduce you to great women in the history of the Christian faith. From Mary in first century Judea, to Catherine Booth in nineteenth century Britain, to Gladys Aylward in twentieth century China. Perpetua and Jane Grey lived brief lives cut short by their conspicuous and brave fidelity to Jesus, while Corrie ten Boom, although no less courageous, lived a long life that testified to God’s compassion and forgiveness. For all their differences, each one of these women has left an indelible legacy on our collective intergenerational Christian consciousness. Each are worth knowing. To know someone’s story is a privilege. We hope you’re encouraged in your Christian walk as you read of theirs. The women whose stories are included in this book are: Mary Perpetua Catherine of Siena Jane Grey Anne Hutchinson Anne Dutton Selina, Countess of Huntingdon Catherine Booth Gladys Aylward Corrie Ten Boom

"This series [pushes] the boundaries of knowledge and [develops] new trends in approach and understanding." ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW The essays in this volume explore relationships in all their different guises and expressions. Hostility between England and France cast a long shadow over the fifteenth century and beyond. While warfare at sea and the composition of the army which invaded Normandy in 1417 left extensive administrative records, sources of a different nature highlight the experiences of the French and Burgundians. The experience of the incursion of Henry VIII's forces in 1513 found expression in widely-distributed poems; while verses celebrating the births of heirs to the Hapsburg duke of Burgundy sought to allay fears over a change of regime by stressing the benefits of their multinational heritage. Portraits of rulers of Italian states emphasised the emergence of a shared courtly culture between England and Italy by commemorating their election as Knights of the Garter, while the records of Bishop's Lynn testify to the harmonious integration of immigrants from the Low Countries and Baltic regions. The Magna Carta of 1215 - intended to place the relationship between ruler and ruled on a new footing - had a long after-life, providing a blue-print for practices adopted by the Appellants of 1388 and being cited at the deposition of Richard II, only to be eclipsed in the late fifteenth century when depositions focused instead on challenges to the monarch's title. Poor records of the meetings of convocations have led to undue emphasis on their role in granting subsidies, but a register at Canterbury presents a different picture by revealing business of the southern convocation of 1462.

How does music reflect the key moments in our lives? How do we choose the works that inspire, delight, comfort or console? Fiona Maddocks selects 100 classical works from across nine centuries, arguing passionately, persuasively and at times obstinately for their inclusion, putting each work in its cultural and musical context, discussing omissions, suggesting alternatives and always putting the music first.

Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings keeps you up-to-date on the trends and issues in sexuality education in colleges, universities, and professional training institutions. A diverse group of authors, all experienced sexuality educators, offers summary information, critical commentary, thoughtful analysis, and projections of future trends in sexuality education in postsecondary settings. This keeps you current on the status of sexuality education and will move you to consider a variety of concerns and challenges in designing and implementing sexuality education courses and programs. Finally, the chapters present you with valuable resources, ranging from historical references to contemporary website information.Beginning with an historical perspective on twentieth-century sexuality education, Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings includes information on the nature and extent of sexuality education in contemporary colleges and universities, as well as in institutions training teachers, clergy, and physicians. The book's expert authors analyze undergraduate curricular and pedagogical issues, as well as problems in classroom climate and the challenges of meeting objectives for behavioral change. Specific topics you learn about include: guidelines for teaching undergraduate sexuality courses--with a focus on philosophical issues; how to develop objectives and implement teaching strategies; print, media, and Internet resources for teaching; and commentary on controversial issues effects of various workshops on the contraceptive-related attitudes and behaviors of college students sexuality education and HIV/AIDS prevention education in teacher preparation institutions perceptions of faculty regarding curriculum and approaches to sexuality education in clergy training institutions sexuality education in medical school curricula in the U.S. and Canada Sexuality Education in Postsecondary and Professional Training Settings is a valuable guide for sexuality educators in postsecondary settings and educators in corollary areas such as health education, educational psychology, family education, or curriculum development. Also an informative and useful text for scholars, researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of sexuality education, behavioral sciences, applied social sciences, and social policy, this book presents a variety of philosophical and methodological approaches to vital issues, ranging from qualitative phenomenological and interpretive methods to quantitative analyses to critical essays.

In this notable contribution to the study of John Wesley and George Whitefield, Ian Maddock discovers the affinity between two preachers often contrasted as enemies. The controversial Free Grace episode of the early eighteenth century, which highlighted the theological divisions between Wesley's Arminianism and Whitefield's Calvinism, has influenced the scholarly division of these forerunners of the Eighteenth Century Revival, resulting in a polarised critical heritage. In a critical assessment of John Wesley, the 'scholar preacher', and George Whitefield, the 'actor preacher', Maddock gives due attention to their differences but unifies them in their commitment to the authority of the Bible, their rhetorical devices and their thematic similarities, showing how they often explicated different theories with the same evidence. Men of One Book explains how these contemporaries, who each knew of the other at Oxford University and as preachers, each faced ecclesiastical opposition and social stigma, but sought for a print-and-preach ministry in which the spoken and written word would spread the Gospel throughout the transatlantic world. 'Men of One Book' is a volume that will interest anyone concerned with the Eighteenth Century Revival, the rise of Methodism or the history of evangelicalism. Ian J. Maddock is Lecturer in Theology at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, and received his PhD from the University of Aberdeen. 'A wonderful comparative treatment of the two dominant preachers of the first Great Awakening. Maddock is equally sure-footed working meticulously through the voluminous manuscript sermons of Wesley and Whitefield as if painting the details of their complex and interwoven leadership of the evangelical revivals. There is no other work that so faithfully renders portraits of these two on their own terms as well as in relation to each other.' Richard Lints, Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

A delightful introduction to 20 much-loved Bible stories, each with a simple and reassuring message for the very young

This collection features 20 Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Each Bible story is told on a double page spread with wonderfully colorful, collage illustrations. There are smiling characters, sweet animals, and bright backdrops throughout. Each story is retold in language that is easy to read aloud to a child, and which reflects God's love and care.

Best known today as a fine composer, the twelfth-century German abbess Hildegard of Bingen was also a religious leader and visionary, a poet, naturalist and writer of medical treatises. Despite her cloistered life she had strong, often controversial views on sex, love and marriage too - a woman astonishing in her own age, whose book of apocalyptic visions, Scivias, would alone have been enough to ensure her lasting fame. In this classic and highly praised biography - first published by Headline in 2001 - distinguished writer and journalist, Fiona Maddocks, draws on Hildegard's prolific writings to paint a portrait of her extraordinary life against the turbulent medieval background of crusade and schism, scientific discovery and cultural revolution. The great intellectual gifts and forceful character that emerge make her as fascinating as any figure in the Middle Ages. More than 800 years after her death, Pope Benedict XVI has made Hildegard a Saint and a Doctor of the Church (one of only four women). Fiona Maddocks has provided a short new preface to cover these tributes to an extraordinary and exceptional woman.

In a sweeping reassessment of early American literature, The Gender of Freedom explores the workings of the literary public sphere-from its colonial emergence through the antebellum flourishing of sentimentalism. Placing representations of and by women at the center rather than the margin of the public sphere, this book links modern forms of political identity to the seemingly private images of gender displayed prominently in the developing public sphere. The "fictions of liberalism" explored in this book are those of marriage and motherhood, sentimental domesticity, and heterosexual desire-narratives that structure the private realm upon which liberalism depends for its meaning and value. In a series of bold theoretical arguments and nuanced readings of literary texts, the author explores the political force of these private narratives with chapters on the Antinomian crisis in Puritan Massachusetts, early national models of gender and marriage in the works of Charles Brockden Brown and Hannah Webster Foster, infanticide narratives and nineteenth-century accounts of motherhood in the work of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Lydia Maria Child, and "re-arranging" marriage in the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

This 1968 volume contains a number of authoritative accounts in many areas of organic chemistry. Volatile compounds and elements of groups III and IV of the periodic table and fluorine compounds receive particular attention, but aspects of general structural chemistry, organometallic compounds, metal-metal bonding, non-aqueous solutions, coordination compounds and solid state chemistry are also covered by specialists. Each chapter was an important review and a stimulus to workers in its field. The book as a whole is a valuable survey of the scope and methods of inorganic chemistry of this time. The contributors are all former students of Professor Emeleus and this book was devoted to him on the occasion of his 65th birthday. It includes a brief account of his scientific career and achievements by the editors of the volume.

Without light there would be no life in the sea. Since the seas were the cradle for the evolution of all life forms, the theme of this book is central to our understanding of the interaction between living organisms and their environments. To express the breadth of research in this area, leading experts in topics as diverse as satellite imagery and molecular biology have contributed to this collection of essays on light and life in the sea, first published in 1990. Intended for all with an interest in the marine environment, this book aims to present the reader with a sampler of the exciting research that is underway and to provide an introduction to its broad compass.

Aquatic organisms swim in a variety of ways, from jet propulsion to ciliary action: they swim at a wide range of speeds and span a vast size range, from bacteria to protists, to the largest whales. One of the most fascinating aspects of aquatic locomotion is the remarkable sets of adaptations that have been evolved for different purposes. This volume brings together research on a wide range of swimming organisms, with an emphasis on the biomechanics, physiology and hydrodynamics of swimming in or on water. Several chapters deal with different aspects of fish swimming, from the use of different 'gaits' to the operation of the locomotor muscles. All chapters are by recognized authorities in their different fields, and all are accessible to biologists interested in aquatic locomotion.

This open access book explores the expectations surrounding dementia, what it ‘looks like’ and how people have been treated by others. It aims to raise awareness of the different types of dementia, and how they impact the brain, body, and lived experience, including experience of Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Frontotemporal Dementia, Semantic Dementia, and Lewy Body Dementia. The co-authors reflect on their experience with informal and formal care, before finishing with a focus on the spectrum of dementia research from clinical trials to user-led research. Throughout the book, co-authors have shared personal stories of how dementia has affected them and people with lived experience of dementia share what they wish people knew about living with the disease.  Co-produced by people with lived experience of dementia, academics and health care professionals, this book is an accessible resource about dementia from the perspective of people actively involved in the field and essential reading for healthcare professionals wishing to learn more about the experience of this neuroprogressive condition, as well as policymakers, and members of the public.

Without light there would be no life in the sea. Since the seas were the cradle for the evolution of all life forms, the theme of this book is central to our understanding of the interaction between living organisms and their environments. To express the breadth of research in this area, leading experts in topics as diverse as satellite imagery and molecular biology have contributed to this collection of essays on light and life in the sea, first published in 1990. Intended for all with an interest in the marine environment, this book aims to present the reader with a sampler of the exciting research that is underway and to provide an introduction to its broad compass.

Written by the author of "The Political Economy of Soviet Defence Spending" and co-author of "The Growth of the British Economy", this book looks at the international dimension, the American and the Soviet defence economy, the NATO alliance, the Warsaw Pact and the international arms trade.